After he left, Rose climbed onto her mother’s bed.
Sophie kissed her, hugged her and snuggled her under the nook in her arm. When they were settled, Rose read the story to her. It was obvious she was bright. Her mom and dad must’ve read to her often, as they did with her when she was little. By the third time through the book, both mother and daughter fell asleep.
“Hello, sleepy head. Did you actually read the book or nap the whole time?” Dr. Hansen asked in mock severity.
“Both,” Sophie said sleepily, stretching her arms. Rose still slept. Behind him were her mom and dad. They came over after a moment, and took the sleeping Rose from her mother’s reluctant grasp.
“We’ll bring her back later, after your time with Dr. Hansen,” her mother whispered, winking.
What’s up with the winking, she thought, wondering if they were all in on something she wasn’t aware of?
They left quickly, and before she knew it, his large, masculine frame was seated on the big leather chair. He looked over.
“Ready when you are.”
“Why do I get the feeling you’re excited about this?” Sophie pulled the sheets up a little higher around her legs and smoothed her hair again.
He gave her a Cheshire grin. “I’ve listened to all of your previous tapes, and it turns out I do play a part in your dreams.”
Blushing slightly, she looked down. “Well, now you know.”
“Don’t be embarrassed,” he said tenderly. “I’m honored you thought enough of me to allow me to be your boyfriend.”
“You weren’t. I mean, he wasn’t my boyfriend, per say. We were friends, more or less.”
“Technically, though, I am a boy and if we were friends, then boyfriend does apply.”
“Why are you teasing me?” She laughed, throwing one of her pillows at him. “Can’t you see this is uncomfortable for me, and you’re making it worse on purpose.”
“You’re right, let’s get started. When did you first know you were in love with me?”
“You’re awful, and mean,” she playfully growled, getting out of bed in a flash, punching him in the arm.
“Hey, I need my arm,” he countered.
Sophie stood there flushed, breathing heavily, wondering how exactly her body had responded with such quickness to the voice inside her head.
“You realize you’ve just proven you’re almost ready to get out of here.”
Feeling a wave of nausea, she answered, “I know, I’m a miracle . . .” The room started spinning, before everything turned black.
#
“Sophie. Sophie, wake up. You fainted, which means you’re not quite as ready as we both thought,” Dr. Hansen said seriously.
She nodded.
“Mommy, are you okay?” Rose asked, tears rolling down her chubby cheeks.
“Rose, mommy’s fine,” Sophie uttered, trying to sit up. “Don’t cry, Rose. I got up too fast, and it made me dizzy. Don’t worry.”
Rose came over to her, climbing on her bed.
“Good,” she said, snuggling next to her mother.
“Listen, I’m going to run a few tests, make sure everything in there is doing what it's supposed to,” he said as he pointed to her head. "I’ll need to ask all of you to leave. The tests will take a few hours. Afterward, she’ll need to rest.”
Her mom and dad came over, each kissing her lightly on the forehead.
“You sure you’re all right?” her mom asked.
“Yes, mom, I am. It sounds like Dr. Hansen is going to find out for sure but, I feel fine.”
“Good. We’ll see you tomorrow,” her dad said gruffly, his voice full of emotion. He picked Rose up. “Let’s give your mommy some rest, okay?”
“Okay,” Rose responded, hugging him tightly. Then she touched Dr. Hansen on the shoulder, saying, “Take good care of mommy for me. She’s special.”
“I know she is, Rose, and I will. Promise,” he returned, stroking her jubilant blond curls.
“Bye, mommy. See you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Rose. I love you.”
She and Dr. Hansen watched them leave. When they were gone, he turned to her, his face serious. “Sophie, can you forgive me? As a professional, I shouldn’t have baited you. I should’ve known better.”
“It’s fine, doc. For the tenth time, I’m fine.”
“I’m going to run some tests to be sure, though.”
#
For the next several weeks, Sophie and the people around her fell into a routine. She would go to physical therapy, spend quiet time with Rose, reading to her, talking to her or napping. Next she would talk about her dreams to her mom, dad, Hope or Dr. Hansen, while they recorded her dreams. By the end of the four weeks, she was sick of talking about her dreams, and much more interested in the reality around her.
David weighed heavily on her mind. She thought a lot about contacting him. He’d raped her countless times, which disgusted her, but she also realized she’d caused him incredible pain as well. Sophie knew if she ever wanted to completely forgive herself, she needed to apologize to him for killing his sister. It wouldn’t be enough, but she wanted to do it anyway.
Sophie explained her thoughts to her mom and dad.
Grudgingly they agreed, and found the address for her. She’d started a letter to him at least ten times already, but nothing seemed right. She couldn’t figure out how to tell the man who’d done such awful things to her, she was sorry. It was a process, she realized, and it would take time.
Her bond with her mom and dad continued to grow. She thanked God every day they were alive, and able to be here with her. She loved them and treasured every moment they spent together.
She also realized Hope was her dear friend, even though, in her dreams, she’d been named Rina, and looked a lot younger. Talking to her was the same as talking to her dear friend. She had the same foul mouth, sarcastic lingo, and mannerisms Rina had in her dreams.
Rose was her precious flower, tender and innocent. Seeing life through her eyes, her bravery, and her courage only encouraged Sophie on in her recovery. When she was down or sick of therapy, she would remember Rose, which strengthened her resolve, filling her with joy.
And, Dr. Hansen. She felt something for him too. She found him to be charming, witty, smart and kind. She loved watching him with Rose. He never teased her again about her dreams after the first time, and their conversations had become one of the highlights of her day. She loved watching him talk, loved the way his hazel eyes would light up when he discussed something he was passionate about. Everything about him was perfect, right down to his crooked nose.
Although it was never spoken of by either of them, she knew he reciprocated her feelings. She also knew they shouldn’t be anything more than friends, not while she was his patient, and maybe not ever.
Still, though, she enjoyed each moment with all of her loved ones, experiencing happiness, as she’d never known it before. The only thing ever bringing her down was the topic of her leaving. She knew she would be released soon, and this happy haven they’d created would come to an end. It frightened her. Truth be told, it excited her as well. There was a whole world out there waiting to be experienced for real.
Finally, the day she’d been dreading came. Dr. Hansen came in and took her pulse, listened to her heart and had her walk around the room.
“Doc, you know I’m healthy,” she teased sadly.
“Look, I’m out of my pajamas and everything.” Her mom had brought her a pair of jeans and a gray sweater. They seemed weird after spending over a month in comfortable two-piece pajamas.
“I noticed,” he said, smiling. “Although it’s still my job to make sure. Do as you’re told.”
“What?” she growled, until she saw the Cheshire grin on his face. “Nice, Dr. Hansen. Are you always this bossy with your patients?”
“Well, no, but then most of my patients are in a coma. You’re the first one I’ve had talk back to me.” He laughed, writing something in his not
ebook. Still looking down, he said, “You do realize we’re still going to be spending a lot of time together, don’t you?”
“No, I didn’t. Why?" She asked, perking up a little.
He was still writing, and she wondered if he was going to answer her. Finally, he dotted the page with gusto and looked up.
“Finished,” he said, handing her his pen, his face grim. “I need your signature, here, and here.” He pointed with his finger.
She signed her name, then handed him back his pen.
“Excellent. You are no longer my patient and I’m no longer your doctor. If you get sick, contact your family physician.” He ripped out her copy of the paperwork, handing it to her.
Shocked, her mouth fell open. She looked at him intently, trying to see if he was serious. “Okay, but . . . then . . . how . . .” she began, until he cut her off.
“How will we be spending time together?” Phillip finished, returning her gaze with a smile in his eyes. “There are a couple of ways.”
“There are?” She whispered, unable to look away.
“Yes. The first is, once our book is published, I’ll need you to go to conferences with me. Everyone is going to want to meet the Sleeping Rose."
She scrunched her face, confused.
He continued, "Do you like it? I was thinking Sleeping Roses would make a great title to our book.”
“Sure,” she began. She wanted to spend time with him, of course, but not if it meant spending less time with her daughter.
As if reading her mind, he interrupted, “Rose is going to come with us. I've already talked to her about it. And, if it's okay with you, then it's okay with her. Her words, not mine. You know, she means so much to me.”
“Okay. Then, I love the idea.” She brimmed with happiness at the thought of getting to be with him.
It’s childish, I know, she thought, but I'm still excited.
Remembering what he’d said, she asked, “What’s the other way we’re going to be spending time together?” She tried to sound nonchalant, but knew the question had come out sounding the opposite.
Clearing his throat, he answered, “Oh. Yes, well, the other way is I hoped wondered . . .” He stopped, running a hand through his thick, sandy brown hair, before continuing, “This is awkward. I don’t want you to think I always do this or this is how I find dates or anything.”
“Dates? Dr. Hansen, are you trying to ask me out?” She knew she tormented him, making the situation more awkward, but she couldn’t resist.
He deserved it, she thought.
Perceptively, he laughed. “Well, yes, it’s exactly what I’m trying to do. How’s it
going so far? Am I being as smooth as I was in your dreams?”
Trying not to double over with laughter, she choked out, “Smoother.”
“Everything okay in here?” Hope asked, her voice dripping with skepticism.
Both suddenly serious, Dr. Hansen answered, “Great, Nurse Hope. Thanks for asking.”
“All right,” she continued, obviously still not sure they were telling the truth. "Your mom and dad have the car waiting for you outside.”
“Wonderful.” She smiled, walking over to Hope, glancing sideways at Phillip.
Their embrace was tearful, but full of joy. When Hope pulled her away, she said, “I’m going to see you next week for lunch, right?”
“Absolutely.”
Dr. Hansen stood next to Hope, holding out his arms. “I’d like one of those, if you’re passing them out.”
Shyly, she went to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. They stayed in each other's arms for several minutes. She hoped there would be many more. Sophie knew, though, as soon as she thought it, there would be.
Epilogue
It has been a year since Sophie awoke from her coma. A lot has changed. She celebrated a birthday with her daughter, as well as one of her own. She’s been painting, and she recently became engaged to the love of her life, Dr. Phillip Hansen.
Phillip, Sophie and Rose have traveled the country, sharing Sophie’s story and Phillips theories on treatments for coma patients. They’ve already seen changes.
As a final thought, it’s a common belief throughout the medical community that the brain can’t tell the difference between a dream and reality. It’s a belief Sophie agrees with because although physically she wasn’t awake those ten years she was in a coma, emotionally she lived. She lived while she was dreaming.
Afterword
Thank you so much for reading Sleeping Roses. Sophie’s journey was a difficult one to write, but one I felt inspired to pursue nonetheless. She’s strong, even though sometimes she doubts it, which is like most of us. We are stronger than we think.
If you loved “Sleeping Roses,” do me a huge favor. Go back to amazon.com and leave an honest review. It only takes a couple of minutes, but helps me out a great deal.
Thanks again!
RaShelle Workman
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Volume 5 in the Blood and Snow series. To purchase “Prey and Magic” click Prey and Magic (Blood and Snow #5).
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Volume 6 in the Blood and Snow series. “Masquerade’s Moon” will be available December 19th, 2012.
Blood and Snow vol 1-4 (Blood and Snow, Revenant in Training, The Vampire Christopher, Blood Soaked Promises)
The first four volumes in the Blood and Snow series. To purchase, click Blood and Snow vol 1-4 (Blood and Snow, Revenant in Training, The Vampire Christopher, Blood Soaked Promises).
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About the Author
RaShelle Workman is the bestselling author of the Immortal Essence series, the Blood and Snow series, and the Dead Roses series. She’s travelled all over the world, but her favorite place to be is at her desk, creating new worlds, characters, and crazy romantic situations that are sure to please her readers.
Contact Information
RaShelle Workman would love to hear from you.
Send your questions or comments to: rashell
[email protected]
Website: www.rashelleworkman.com
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Copyright Information
Copyright © 2011 RaShelle Workman
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written consent of the author, RaShelle Workman, P.O. Box Bountiful, UT 84088.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the creation of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition is published by Polished Pen Press in coordination with Literary Underground.
ISBN: 1468098578
ISBN-13: 978-1468098570
ASIN: B006NE0H64
Cover Design: RaShelle Workman
Cover copyright 2009/2011 RaShelle Workman
Table of Contents
Cover
Main Menu
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Sleeping Roses Page 24